Dear Amazon - Please Don't Drop In Unannounced!
I love new devices. That means I love @Amazon. I bought two Echo Shows, but just got back home for the first time in six months to open, unpack and set-them-up. But, Amazon knew that. Like my alarm company which knows when something or someone passes a motion detector, Amazon knows when someone sets off Echo motion detectors or uses Alexa. It knows when you are home.
And Amazon knows if you are sleeping, it knows if you're awake, it knows if you are bad or good, so be good for goodness' sake!
Who knew? You better!
All of the issues those of us engaged in cybersafety and digital risk management have raised over the Alexa-years are being addressed - sort of. Now, in many cases you have choices. Now in many cases they warn you in unpacking videos, paper disclaimers and set up settings. But, apparently I missed the fact that all of my Echo Dots and other connected Alexa devices track my movements. And Amazon now warns us that it records and stores audio, etc in the cloud to improve customer service.
Amorous evenings? Turn off Dots and Echo Show. Spousal disagreements? Financial discussions, attorney-client conversations within range of an Echo-device? Medical discussions? Serious discussions with your teen? Reading your toddler to sleep? Check, check and more checks.
You can turn off your device. But then frustrate the purpose of a hands-free remote voice-instructed device. Or you can turn off some of these "skills" and actions.
Two things you should seriously think about for your well being:
- turn off "drop in." It's on by default! If you want to let someone know you are home, turn on your porch light. Want to let them know you are amorous? Tie a necktie on your doorknob (heck, it worked in law school). No one should drop-in unannounced. That's what front doors are for, doorbells are for and calling before you come over are for.
- Set a code to keep others (like kids and grandkids) from ordering from Alexa. The default is "just order anything you want on your parents'/grandparents' Amazon account and it arrives quickly." Make the kids work for it. (Don't have them set the code for you! :-))
One more tip, although just an annoyance (or hilarious depending on your mood) - change the wake-up name of your Dots to Amazon, or Dot, or something else they permit. Otherwise, when your Show talks to you and mentions "Alexa" the devices all wake up and become annoying. It's like tiptoeing around the baby's crib when they are finally sound-asleep - don't wake up the Alexa.
Now, dear Amazon, you know I love you. You know how much money I waste on impulsive instant purchases, you know what I read, watch and when. You know if I watch adult-content, sing gospel and consume too much caffeine. You don't need to know more, unless I am sure that I know what I am sharing.
Turn off the default "drop-in." Let me set it if I want. And, while you disclaim the ability to use your device calling to call 911 or other emergency services, think about allowing calls when "I am falling and can't get up!" Disclaim that it will work as intended. But give us old-timers some comfort if you are also listening in.
Love and kisses,
Your devoted friend, Parry (but I guess you knew that already :-))